The young Ulster winger is well on his way but, as he’ll tell you himself, he has a ways to go yet.
Last Friday at Kingspan Stadium produced a moment of sheer magic in a brutal, interprovincial arm-wrestle.
Jacob Stockdale teamed up with All Blacks star Charles Piutau to light up the Connacht backline and seal victory for Les Kiss’ men.
The 21-year-old has carried on his fine form from last season but this – his fourth try in four games – was one of those outstanding moments where he arrived into the consciousness of the wider rugby public.
Try of the season @JacobStockdale #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/h0pbshspc1
— UlsterRugbySP 🏉 (@UlsterRugbySP) October 7, 2017
Following the game, Stockdale spoke about his confidence in playing alongside someone of Piutau’s ability. If he passes him the ball, there’s a good chance he’ll get it back if he carries on with a support line.
It is that game awareness that is already marking Stockdale out as one of the best of the latest generation of young Irish backs.
Stephen Ferris and Ronan O’Gara spoke about Ireland’s potential options for next month’s Test matches, on The Hard Yards [from 15:20 below], and Stockdale came in for some high praise.
As a former Ulster and Ireland talisman, Ferris has dual reasons to be excited about the young winger’s progress. He commented:
“Jacob Stockdale has all the attributes to be one of the best wingers in the world.
“He’s exactly what Joe Schmidt wants in a winger – he’s tall, good under the high ball, he’s very, very fast – deceptively so. He burnt Matt Healy on the outside – completely roasted him – and he’s no slouch.”
Stockdale has already two Ireland caps, and one try, to his name and he is expected to feature in November’s Guinness Series. Were Schmidt to consider shifting Simon Zebo to fullback, Stockdale may well get some decent game time on the left wing.
“If I was any team playing against Ulster, I’d be kicking the ball out, ever, on their exit strategies,” Ferris said. “The last thing you want to do is give Charles Piutau the time and space to counter-attack, especially with the form Stockdale is in outside him.”
Wise words but Ulster, and Ireland, will be hoping to pressure these kicks to give both strike-runners a sniff.
